we're joined now by by a political scientist in washington. what do we know about why these warnings have been issued now? >> there have been reports of an intercept from al qaeda in the arabian then select against enemies and-- u.s. targets in the middle east. there is also concern because this may be related to the drone attacks and prison breakouts in pakistan and baghdad and libya. they doas concern that not alert the public and its allies and something happens then this would have serious consequences down the road for the national security and intelligence agencies. >> there have been suggestions that it is suspiciously convenient that this warning comes now when the u.s. is under such pressure to justify the spying allegations made in recent weeks. what do you make of that? >> critics have raised this issue, that it may be a bit convenient and there may be an attempt to divert attention from the criticism that has been leveled against the national security agency and the administration. u.s.e same time, if the and intelligence agencies